The Carolina Hurricanes have a problem on their hands and it's finding ways to get Jesperi Kotkaniemi going. The struggles are real for the 25-year-old forward and recently, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman revealed the team is open to a trade.
Elliotte Friedman: A name to watch closely: Carolina’s Jesperi Kotkaniemi; word around the NHL is the Hurricanes recognize he needs a fresh start; Carolina is considering offers as you read this.
Kotkaniemi has appeared in 25 games this season, scoring just two goals, and six points. He's averaging a career low 11:08 of ice-time per game, and was recently left off Team Finland's Olympic roster. It's gone from bad to worse for the Finnish forward as he hasn't been able to carve himself a role in Carolina, which is wild to consider as he's under contract at $4.8 million AAV through the 2030 season.
Kotkaniemi owns a 10-team no-trade clause but he's open to the move. It's not working out in Carolina and it's time to move on. As far as trade destinations go, keep an eye on these three teams:
Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks have had Kotkaniemi on their radar for a few seasons now and have held trade talks with Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky in the past. The Canucks need another center and have some spots open to compete for next season as well, as they'll be making significant roster changes over the next 6-8 months. If Kiefer Sherwood gets moved to the Hurricanes before the deadline, don't be surprised to see Kotkaniemi involved.
St. Louis Blues
The Blues are open for business and they have Justin Faulk, a former Hurricane who is someone they have on their trade radar. These two teams have discussed trades in the past this season, and they're next deal together could involve Faulk and Kotkaniemi before the Olympic roster freeze. Brayden Schenn is also on the Hurricanes radar.
Seattle Kraken
The Kraken have exceeded expectations this season and enter Saturday's play third in the Pacific Division. They're 8-0-2 in their last 10 and have been creative this season on the trade market, including selling off Mason Marchment just a few months into his tenure. They don't have much depth down the middle and could see Kotkaniemi's versatility as something they'd like to add long term to their roster. In the right situation, there's still lots of untapped potential in the former third overall pick.
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